How To / Software

How to uninstall an app in Windows 8

by Bernard Sinai · Published March 29, 2014 · Updated March 20, 2017

For many of us accustomed to the traditional Windows, the new Metro UI in Windows 8 can be a bit confusing, and finding all those options can impose migraines like when I tried to remove the preinstalled antivirus from a client’s notebook and install a free Avast 2014 version.

Trying to uninstall an app in Windows 8 can be confusing, however, after a bit of trial and error, I managed to find the solution, which by the way, is a lot easier than previous versions of Windows.

Windows 8 start screen

To remove an app, you first have to locate the app in UI. This can be done by looking for it on the start screen, or if you can’t find it there, by opening the apps screen. This is done by clicking the downward pointing arrow below the screen.

Windows 8 will open the tradition uninstall panel when removing from the start screen

Once you’ve located the app icon, right click on it and options should pop up at the bottom of the screen like below.

Windows 8 apps screen. Click on uninstall and follow the wizard.

Click on the uninstall icon and it should be a wizard’s touch from being removed.

NOTE: Antivirus apps is a personal choice and you do not necessarily need to uninstall pre-installed apps. However, it is a wise option to remove any unwanted and unused app to clear out the clutter and minimize resource waste.